36 Ways to Political Celebrity

Barack Obama is not just a U.S. presidential political candidate, he is one of the most influential faces in the media today.

The public and media attention Obama has attained in 2008 rivals some of the biggest Hollywood stars, internationally known singers and other icons and leaders.

Obama has been at the center of the media for months now, particularly online. It’s an interesting insight into the future of politics and how, if leveraged properly, the internet will become the ultimate tool in deciding the outcome of elections.

The following articles on Obama highlight the diverse promotional innovations made possible through the use of the web, from fan-created Obama viral videos to musical mashups and Obama parodies, to art created by Obama-backing fans, from "political fusion portraits" to shoes adorned with Obama’s face.

The web has also been a platform that enabled fans to create Obama-related content, not necessarily endorsing him, such as tributes to Michelle Obama’s fashion and even anti-Obama features.

Click on the main image to enter slideshow mode.